Board adopts media and public relations policy that restricts AI use by PIO

The board voted to adopt an administrative media and public relations policy on July 28 that clarifies roles and channels for staff communications with the media. The policy designates the Public Information Officer (PIO) as the main point of contact for media queries and requires PIO releases to be approved by the county administrator or designee. It also lists categories of information that will not be released (e.g., sealed/confidential records, juvenile records, victim statements) and addresses incident‑period communications.

The policy includes an explicit restriction on PIO use of AI: the PIO shall not use AI‑generated content—images, videos, social‑media posts, press releases, etc.—unless directed by the county administrator. Staff said the policy is intended to reduce confusion, centralize communications, and protect individual rights and public safety while preserving employees’ constitutional speech rights.